eProcurement

How to do Business with Canada Post

Contents

It is the policy of Canada Post Corporation to compete fairly, ensure its marketing and competitive practices respond to customer needs, and comply with all applicable legislation.

Purchasing Philosophy

Our objectives as a major Canadian corporation are clear; provide the most reliable, affordable and accessible mail service to the Canadian public. Our purchasing policy is equally straightforward - it is rooted in the belief that the more a supplier understands Canada Post's business and buying policies, the more effective they will be in contributing to the corporate objectives.

We recognize the vital role suppliers play in our operations and have learned that mutual reliance and respect form the basis of an excellent relationship.

Buying Practices

It is the policy of Canada Post Corporation to contract for goods and services with the objective of attaining the best overall value. Canada Post contracts with those suppliers who satisfy the Corporation's objectives of obtaining quality goods and services in a timely manner and meeting the specifications and have competitive prices.

In so doing, the Corporation, as a matter of principle, conducts its expenditure contracting activities with due regard to applicable laws, regulations, international agreements and conventions, internal policies and competitive tendering processes. Canada Post does this in such a way as to convey its high standards of professionalism and business ethics to the external community.

Throughout the procurement and expenditure contracting process, Canada Post:

Will establish and maintain productive business relationships with suppliers who share the Corporation's commitment to provide quality products and services to its customers, and who reflect their commitment to excellence through their business relations with Canada Post; and

Will demonstrate the value the corporation places on such business relations with its suppliers by visibly continuing its commitment to professional and ethical conduct in all aspects of its procurement activities.

As a Crown Corporation, Canada Post's procurement, where applicable, is conducted with due regard to the requirements of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT). Purchases subject to the NAFTA and AIT Agreements are published via MERX. Bid packages for procurements subject to NAFTA and AIT must be ordered through MERX and for Transportation Contracting Services, see details provided under Business Opportunities for Transportation Contracting Services.

Sourcing Suppliers

For purchases not subject to NAFTA, requests may be published on MERX or suppliers may be identified from past experience with CPC, industry directories, Internet, industry and associated information sources including catalogues and journals, trade shows and conferences.

Tender Opening

Canada Post does not open tenders in public, nor do we reveal any information contained in the responses to our requirements, except as required by NAFTA or otherwise by law. We firmly believe this would have an impact on CPC's ability to conduct business in a fair and competitive bidding environment.

Issuance of Contract

In general, all contracts are issued by Canada Post Sourcing Management following the formal evaluation process. One or more suppliers who best fits our overall needs will be invited to enter into negotiations, which may lead to the formulation of a formal contract.

End users are not authorized to enter into agreements with suppliers. Suppliers are not to supply goods or services before a purchase order/contract is in place, and they should not perform work beyond the scope of the existing contract.

Conclusion

The Canada Post Sourcing Management sincerely values the special relationship that exists between Canada Post and its suppliers. In particular, we welcome any initiatives that contribute to increased productivity and good purchasing management. We are always willing to discuss developments, improved performance or lower costs if these help us meet our objective of reliable, cost-effective services to the Canadian public.